Drivers

North Carolina To Restrict Trucks From Passing Lanes

The North Carolina Board of Transportation is putting up new signs restricting the lanes that trucks can use on 133 miles of Interstate highways in the state.

The restriction applies to trucks with three axles or more. Violators must pay $96 in fines and court costs.The initiative is part of a truck safety package unveiled in March by the secretary of transportation. Several proposals in the package are pending before the state General Assembly, such as higher penalties for speeding truckers and a new system of fines for trucks with faulty brakes and other safety violations. DOT has the authority to move ahead with the lane signs without legislative approval.The only stretch of highway where truck restrictions are currently in place is a 5.4-mile section of I-40 in western Wake County. In coming months, the signs will start appearing on eight other stretches, reports the Associated Press:· About 23 miles of I-440, the Raleigh Beltline.· A 27-mile section of I-40/I-85 from western Orange County to eastern Guilford County.· A 4-mile section of I-40 in McDowell and Buncombe counties.· A 35-mile section of I-85 in Guilford and Davidson counties.· A 27-mile section of I-85 in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.· A 9-mile section of I-77 in southern Mecklenburg County.